The various items, purchased through Surplus Property in Pearl, included multiple boats, laptop computers, travel trailers and heavy equipment.

"We can recycle, if you will, property that one agency no longer uses and that property can then be used for other agencies. These individuals took advantage of that system," said Michael Guest, the district attorney for Madison and Rankin counties.

All six received 10-year suspended sentences and five years probation, Guest said. Those sentenced are former fire chief Tommy Dewitt, former fire chief; Jerry Holland, former mayor; Dianna Hutchinson, former deputy court clerk and police officer; Robert Mauldin, former city maintenance engineer; Billy Matthews, fire chief; and Brenda Saulters, city clerk.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering said the fraudulently obtained equipment is back in public use.

MORE THAN 20 MINUTES. THAT FIRE IS NOW OUT. SIX-CITY-WORKERS IN BASSFIELD WON'T SPEND ANY- TIME IN JAIL -- AFTER TAKING STATE- OWNED-EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONAL-USE. 16 WAPT'S JENNIFER ORTEGA IS IN-PEARL -- WHERE LEADERS SHOWED US HOW IT HAPPENED. OUTCUE: JENNIFER ORTEGA 16 WAPT